Monday, June 16, 2008

Baby Shower Quilt

This baby quilt is made entirely from my stash and it isn't real "babyish."  I decided to use the fabric in the border because the mom & dad have 3 dogs and at least 1 cat, so I know they are animal lovers.  I bought the fabrics several years ago and wanted to use it.  I had no idea if it would turn out or if I would like it.  When it was ready for quilting, I decided to do an overall design and I had this clam shell stencil - which I had never used.  I started tracing it with a tracing pencil and after tracing it once, my hands were tired and I didn't want to do the whole quilt that way.  So I decided to go out and purchase a "quilt pounce."  The top of the quilt is quite busy, and the quilt pounce chalk didn't really show up too well, but at least it was easier than using a pencil.  While doing the free motion machine quilting, I remembered what Bonnie Hunter said in her 6/10/08 blog post.  She was quilting by hand on a particular quilt and she found it easier to quilt it from the back.  Since the back of the baby quilt is predominantly black (an odd color for a baby quilt), the chalk showed up a lot better and I finished it from the back.

Here's the back view.  It has cats scattered on black.  The binding and green in the top of the quilt is balls of yarn and goes with the backing fabric.
Don't look too closely at the quilting job.  I'm about to give up on doing free motion quilting.  This was a pretty simple quilt pattern, but I still had a hard time staying on the lines.  
Here's a close-up of the border.  This is my favorite part of the quilt.  I love the pet shop!  This is the first time I have ever done a mitered border.
So, for better or worse, this is the shower quilt.  I guess I'm somewhat satisfied with it and hope she likes it.  It certainly is a baby quilt made to be used, dragged and played on.

10 comments:

  1. Oh, please don't give up on free motion quilting. There are so many patterns that can be done without following lines, without marking. I have not yet progressed to following lines. In fact, I don't feel like I am free motion quilting when I am trying to follow lines. But, I sure have a lot of fun with free motion. If you have difficulty following lines, try a different pattern. It's too much fun to give up! :-)Find something you do like, and go for it!

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  2. By the way---that was a beautiful quilt!!!!

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  3. I think you did an amazing job! I love your quilting---it is terrific--and what a sweet fabric choice!

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  4. Very Cute! I love the clamshell pattern and I'm sure your new mom and dad will appreciate the cats!

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  5. Blogger ate my comment -- the nerve! LOL! Anyway, very cute quilt! I love the clamshell pattern and I'm sure the new parents will appreciate the kitties.

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  6. I love the quilt and the baby and Mom will too. Keep up with the free motion, you'll get the hang of it, I'm sure....Bobbin

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  7. I make a child size quilt for babies too! Gives them something to grow in to. :) I like the fabrics that you used to make your quilt. Very nice! Meandering is a free motion quilting design that seems to be easy to get the hang of and looks nice on most quilts, especially for children. Don't give up, you are doing a nice job. Have you had any classes?

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  8. Clamshell is one of my favorite quilting stitches. I love the look. I'm sure they will love your quilt. I'll email that handout to you! Thanks for your sweet comments.
    nanette

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  9. OOO I love this quilt! The pet shop fabric is just CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!! Thanks for visiting my blog today and leaving me some love. I appreciate it. I love your blog!

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  10. You did goo! Following along lines is the worst part, that's why I am the meander queen...that and free form leaves and curly q's. Practice with a pen and a large sheet of paper and the motions will get easier.

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